Report: The impact of the coronavirus pandemic on students preparing for university in 2020

The impact of COVID on A-level students in 2020 report.
 

The coronavirus pandemic hit us all hard, in many different ways. That included a group of people at a crucial turning point in their lives - students preparing for university.

At Pickle Jar Communications, we spend a lot of time talking to students and prospective students about their motivations, experiences, and how they make life-changing decisions.

We wanted to bring this in-depth, qualitative approach to the current situation. We wanted to share the stories of these students, and pass on what these unprecedented times have done to their motivations, their plans for university, and their hopes for the future.

We also wanted to provide those working in higher education communication or marketing with an insight into student mindsets at this time, and to suggest some ways to address students’ concerns.

We hope this report achieves that, and we’ve got more resources to share in the near future that we hope will offer further support to those that need it.

Robert Perry, Head of Research and Insight at Pickle Jar Communications

Summary

This report looks at the reactions of pre-university students to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on education, exams and university admissions in the UK. It also includes a follow-up report with the experiences and reactions of students six months after our initial research with them. The report includes:

  • 8 student mindsets

  • How students reacted

  • What do they want to hear?

  • Plans for the future

  • What can we do to address their issues

The reports are useful to anyone working in higher education in:

  • Student recruitment

  • Admissions

  • Communications and PR

  • Marketing

  • University management and administration

  • Social media and community management

  • Content creation